Currency dispenser

ABSTRACT

A unit for storing bills in currency dispensing systems. Successive individual bills or groups of bills are oriented at right angles to each other in a stack above a blocking plate. When one of two sets of doors in the blocking plate opens, the doors form a passage for bills with one orientation, but not the other. Hence, the bottom bill in the stack is blocked or dispensed depending on its orientation. In one embodiment, each of two independently operated cam units block one set of doors in a first position. Actuating one cam unit opens one set of doors and positively blocks the other set. Whenever the storage unit is outside the dispensing system, a transportation plate positively prevents accidental dispensing of any bills.

United States Patent 1 Guidi et al.

[ 1 Jan. 16,1973

[54] CURRENCY DISPENSER [75] Inventors: Justin J. Guidi, Weston; Charles F. Middleton, Jr., Sudbury, both of [22] Filed: Nov. 25, 1970 [2]] Appl. No.: 92,824

FOREIGN PATENTS 0R APPLlCATlONS 390,359 2/1924 4 Germany ..22l/67 5/1962 GreatBritain ..22l/67 2/1930 Switzerland ..22l/67 Primary ExaminerSamuel F. Coleman Attorney-Louis E. Marn, James C. Jangarathis, James J. Burke, Elliot M. Olstein and Marvin S, Gittes [57] ABSTRACT A unit for storing bills in currency dispensing systems.

Successive individual bills or groups of bills are oriented at right angles to each other in a stack above a blocking plate. When one of two sets of doors in the blocking plate opens, the doors form a passage for bills with one orientation, but not the other. Hence, the bottom bill in the stack is blocked or dispensed depending on its orientation. In one embodiment, each of two independently operated cam units block one set of doors in a first position. Actuating one cam unit opens one set of doors and positively blocks the other set. Whenever the storage unit is outside the dispensing system, a transportation plate positively prevents accidental dispensing of any bills.

11 Claims, 12 Drawing Figures PATENTEDJAI 16 I973 3,710,976

SHEET 1 [1F 5 FIGI INVENTORS JUSTIN J. GUIDI ATTORNEYS 78 CHARLES F. MIDDLETON, JR.

PATENTEDJAN 16 1915 SHEET 2 0F 5 INVENTORS JUSTIN J. GUIDI ATTORNEYS PATENTEDJAH 15 1915 INVEN'IURS JUSTIN J. GUIDI CHARLES F. MIDDLETON,JR.

ATTORNEYS PATENTEDJAH 16 ms 3,710,976

saw u or 5 INVENTORS 1 JUSTIN J. GUIDI CHARLES F. MIDDLETON, JR.

ATTORNEYS PATENTEU JAN 1 6 I973 SHEET 5 BF 5 QUE 09 5 m: v V 5 g NQ IJ' II/I Mums 1mm 2/ ///4// E 8 mm. in

CURRENCY DISPENSER BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to currency dispensing systems and more specifically to the storage of paper currency in such systems.

Several systems are available for dispensing currency including paper currency (hereinafter bills). While some systems dispense fixed quantities of cash and others dispense variable quantifies, all require a unit for storing the bills, actuating apparatus for dispensing one or more bills from the storage unit and a unit for controlling the dispensing operation sequence and, when necessary, selecting one or more storage units to dispense bills.

Systems for dispensing fixed amounts of cash sometimes include a single storage unit. Normally, however, a system includes several storage units to increase its flexibility and capacity. Each unit contains bills of a single denomination with several storage units sometimes being combined in a set to facilitate transportation and system loading.

The types of storage units are as varied as the dispensing systems. For example, in one storage unit, a plate forces bills in a loose stack against a set of friction rollers and transfer belts which dispense the end bill from the stack when the rollers and belts are actuated.

In another approach, an individual bill or predetermined combination of bills is stored'in a tube. Each tube is loaded in a tube storage unit in the currency dispensing system. When a currency request is made, a control unit dispenses one or more selected tubes from the tube storage unit. 7

Yet another unit comprises a pair of belts which are wound onto a cylindrical support. As the two belts are rolled onto the support, individual bills are loaded between them. The actuating apparatus then unwinds the belts to separate them and to dispense bills. Usually a sensor energizes the control unit each time a bill issues from the belts.

Other storage units include spaced trays mounted on a rotatable support for storing bills or groups of bills separately. In some of these storage units, the actuating apparatus includes a mechanical linkage with a pushrod for engaging the tray contents at a particular location and pushing the contents from the tray. In others, the bill drops through a chute in the storage unit housing as each tray passes over the chute.

Each storage unit and its related system is characterized by one of the following features, however. Usually, the storage unit or the actuation apparatus is complex. For example, even though the loose stack approach described above seems conceptually simple, the actuating, sensing and control mechanisms necessary to assure that only single bills are dispensed are complex and difficult to manufacture.

Most storage units permit cash to be loaded at a central location. As a result, loose bills or bundles of bills are only available when the storage units are loaded. During transportation to and from the machine, the bills are inside the storage units. Further, large quantities of cash are not readily available after the storage units are installed in the dispensing system. All the prior apparatus, except the apparatus using the loose currency stacks, provide these features. However, the apparatus for dispensing bills from these storage units can also become complex. Intricate loading procedures are also encountered with the belt storage units.

Furthermore, most storage units do not use storage space efficiently. Often times, the volume required to store the bills greatly exceeds the volume of the bills themselves. This is especially true in units storing bills on separate trays.

Finally, some storage units require special handling as they are transported between a central loading location and remotely located currency dispensing systems. With systems using loosely stacked bills, the cash is exposed; so special handling and transportation procedures are necessary. If the currency is contained in tubes, the tubes must be individually inserted in the tube storage unit at the location.

Therefore, it is an object of this invention to provide currency storage units and related dispensing systems which simplify manufacturing, loading and dispensing.

Another object of this invention is to provide a currency storage unit which facilitates the transportation between the system and a central loading location.

Yet another object'of this invention is to provide a currency storage unit which improves volumetric efficiency.

SUMMARY ports bills in a stack in alternate directions. A transportation plate at one end of the storage apparatus overlies passages in the storage unit to positively contain the bills during transportation. This plate is removed to open the passages before the apparatus is installed.

Any one of several types of actuating apparatus can be used to dispense bills from the storage unit. Generally, a blocking plate disposed below the bill stack includes several bill passages which register with the individual bills when the storage unit and blocking plate are aligned. A control unit selects a particular storage unit for a dispensing operation and opens a set of doors in the blocking plate to form a bill passage for the bottom bill. The blocking plate prohibits the next bill with a different orientation from being dispensed.

In a preferred embodiment, the bills are stored at right angles, and the blocking plate contains two sets of doors which normally close two intersecting, generally rectangular passages in registration with the bills. Two cam members normally close the doors. When the control unit selects a particular storage unit to dispense a bill, one associated cam unit retracts and opens one set of doors to define a bill passage in registration with the bottom bill. Another portion of the rotated cam positively blocks the other set of doors. Then the bottom bill on the stack drops through the resulting bill passage onto a conveyer or other transport device.

This invention is pointed out with particularity in the appended claims. A more thorough understanding of the objects, features and advantages of a currency storage unit constructed in accordance with our invention may be attained from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

I BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a perspective view, partially broken away, of a currency dispensing system incorporating this invention;

FIG. 2 is a detailed perspective view, partially broken away, of a preferred storage unit and actuating apparatus for use in the system shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3is a view taken along lines 3-3 in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a view taken along lines 4-4 in FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 illustrates a transport plate and tool for use with the storage unit in FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 is asectional view taken along lines 6--6 in FIG. 3;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a portion of another embodiment of a dispensing system using this invention;

FIG. 8 is a view taken along lines 8-8 in in FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a portion of yet another embodiment of a dispensing system using this invention; 7

FIG. 10 is a view taken along linesl010 in FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a view similar to that shown in FIG. 10 when the unit is actuated; and I FIG. 12 is a view of a transportation plate taken along lines 12-12 in FIG. 9.

DESCRIPTION OF AN ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENT FIG. I shows the appearance of a currency dispenser to a person desiring to cash a check (a recipient) and the location of certain elements within the dispenser. It will become apparent in the following discussion that this system is merely cited for purposes of explanation and that currency storage units constructed in accordance with this invention are adapted to a variety of such systems.

In this particular system, a check, in machine-readable format, is inserted into a slot 10; and an identification card, also in machine-readable format, is inserted into a slot 12. A control panel 14 containing selectively illuminated signs indicates various phases of the operatmg sequence. I

Still referring to FIG. 1, storage units 16 and 18 inside the system may contain individual bills of a single denomination. As is evident, several storage units can store bills of the same denomination and several storage units can be installed as a set.

Storage units, such as the representative units 16 and 18, are aligned in one row directly over a conveyer 22. As described later, when a storage unit is actuated, it discharges a bill onto the conveyer 22. If a plurality of storage units are actuated simultaneously, a number of bills drop onto the conveyer 22 but are spaced as they are carried to a chute 24 which guides the currency into a receptacle 26. v

The number of bills actually transported to the receptacle 26 can be compared with a number of requested bills as a checkon system operation. In one embodiment, conventional photo-electric means are disposed transversely with respect'to the conveyer 22 under each storage unit to energize a counter as each bill isdischarged. A summing unit then combines the signals to determine the total number of bills dropped onto the conveyer. Alternatively, an individual photoelectric sensor at the end of the conveyer 22 and a counter can count the bills as they are discharged into Still referring to FIG. 1, a conventional coin dispenser 28 may also be installed in the dispensing apparatus. The cents value on a check determines the number of coins which are dispensed. The receptacle 26 collects the coins.

The capacity of the dispenser can be increased by locating one or more additional storage units behind a first row 30 of storage units disposed above the conveyer 22. In FIG. 1, a storage unit 32 is disposed behind the first row 30. A chute 34 directs bills discharged from the storage unit 32 onto the conveyer 22.

Various steps may be taken to control access to the receptacle 26 and prevent the recipient from obtaining the currency if any errors occur. For example, a door 36 looks during the operating cycle until various tests have been made to determine the proper amount of currency has been deposited in the receptacle 26. If

some machine malfunction occurs, the receptacle 26 transfers the currency to an internal storage location and the system returns the verification card and check to the recipient.

A preferred storage unit adapted for use inthe currency dispensing system of FIG. I and other systems is shown in FIGS. 2 through 6. It and other storage units are disposed on a support plate 50 with two bill passages 52 and 54 shown in FIG. 3 which intersect at substantially right angles. Both passages register with bills stacked above them in the storage units.

In the storage unit shown in FIG. 2, bills are stored at substantially right angles along a vertical or stack axis and held in this orientation by a container 56. The container 56, a cruciform in cross-section, defines two intersecting rectangular portions 58 and 60. These rectangular portions 58 and 60 orient the bills at substantially right angles along the stack axis of the storage unit.

The upper end of the storage unit may include a cover 62 and a handle 64 tofacilitate transportation and loading. A bottom plate 66, shown-specifically in 'FIG. 4, is affixed to the container 56 and has two intersecting rectangular apertures 68 and 70 aligned with bills stored in the container.

Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, a transportation plate 72 blocks the apertures 68 and 70 during transportation.

' There are several ways this can be accomplished. In the dispensed bills without regard to the denomination.

illustrated embodiment, the plate 72 has two upstanding pins like the pin 73 which pass through apertures, like the aperture 74 in the bottom plate 66. Slider fasteners, like a slide fastener 75 on the bottom plate 66, engage circumferential grooves formed in the'pins. This positively locks the transportation plate 72 to the bottom plate 66 and prevents the loss of any bills through the apertures 68 and during transportation.

A person loading the storage unit into the dispensing apparatus inverts the storage unit and removes the transportation plate 72. Then he .places a tool 76 over the bottom plate 66. This tool comprises two tines 77 and 78 and an S-shaped base 79. When installed, the tines 77 and 78 pass on opposite sides of both apertures like the aperture 74. The S -shaped base 79 engages the bottom plate 66 so the tool 76 remains attached to the storage unit after the unit is righted and installed. Then the operator merely withdraws the tool 76 to complete the installation. It is apparent that many other methods can assure that bills are not lost during transportation.

A similar procedure is used to remove a storage unit that is not empty. First, the tool 76 is inserted between the support plate 50 and the bottom plate 66. After removing and inverting the storage unit, the tool 76 is removed and the transportation plate 72 is installed.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 4, when the storage unit is being installed, it is oriented by two pins, like the pin 73 in FIG. 5, and a locating pin 82. The locating pin for each actuating unit is uniquely located for a given denomination to register with a corresponding aperture like an aperture 84 in the bottom plate 66. Using the pin 82 and the aperture 84 assures the proper location of each storage unit.

Referring specifically to FIG. 3, the actuating apparatus for each storage unit on the support plate 50 comprises four doors 84, 86, 88 and 90 connected to the support plate 50 by hinges 92, 94, 96 and 98, respectively. Hinges 92 and 96 are connected to parallel edges of the plate 50 to form the passage 52. Hinges 94 and 98 are affixed to another pair of parallel edges so the doors 86 and 90 form the passage 54. Each hinge is oriented so the doors swing to a depending position unless they are blocked by the actuating apparatus.

When the doors are horizontal, the doors 84 and 88 substantially close the passage 52, while the doors 86 and 90 substantially close the passage 54. Although the doors do not completely close the passages, they effectively block each one and prevent any bills from being dispensed.

An actuating unit comprising counterrotating cam rings 104 and 124 controls the doors. The cam ring 104 is rotatably mounted beneath the support plate 50 by means of a ring 102 welded to plate 50 and having inwardly extending planar support portions 100 at the lower edge thereof. Two stops 106 and 108 mounted beneath the plate 50 and an extension 110 on the ring 104 limit the rotation of the cam ring 100. A crank 112 on a rotary solenoid 114 drives the extension 110 against the stop 108 when it is energized. Otherwise, the extension 110 rests against the stop 106 as shown in FIG. 3.

As the extension 110 moves toward the stop 108, ring 104 carries two integral and diametrically opposed cams 116 and 118. Both cams extend radially toward the center of the ring 104 with the cams 116 and 118 normally being positioned under the doors 86 and 90, respectively. Axial extensions 122 and 123 at the radially inner edges of the cam units 116 and 118 engage the doors 86 and 90, but are required on the lower cam unit only.

The doors 86 and 90 cannot open until the rotary solenoid 114 is energized. When this happens, the cam ring 104 rotates and blocks the doors 84 and 88 before its extensions 122 and 123 clear the doors 86 and 90. The doors 86 and 90 open just before the extension 1 10 engages the stop 108. 4 I

Still referring to FIG. 3 and also FIG. 6, the other cam ring 124 has an extension 126 coupled to a rotary solenoid 128 so the ring 124 rotates between two limits defined by a stop 130 or the stop 108. When the rotary solenoid unit 128 moves the extension 126 toward the stop 108, the ring 124 initially rotates integral cams 131 and 134 and blocks the doors 86 and 90, respectively, so all four doors are blocked. Just before the extension 126 reaches the stop 108, the doors 84 and 88 open.

During the operating sequence, control circuitry (not shown) energizes either the rotary solenoid 1 14 or the rotary solenoid 128. If the bottom bill is located in the rectangular portion 58, (FIG. 2), the control circuitry energizes the rotary solenoid unit 114 to open the doors 86 and and form the passage 54. Alternatively, if the bottom bill in the portion 60, the circuitry energizes the rotary solenoid unit 128 to open the doors 84 and 88 and form the passage 52.

There are several procedures for assuring that the proper doors are open to dispense the bottom bill. Normally, the control circuit energizes the rotary solenoids for each storage unit alternately. In one procedure, the control circuits actuate all the storage units. If the bottom bill in any storage unit is aligned with the open doors, it drops to the conveyer internally. In the other storage units, no bill is dispensed, but the control circuitry will dispense a bill for these units the next time. As an alternate procedure, a dummy bill can be installed in the bottom of the storage unit. Then the control circuits independently actuate each rotary solenoid until a dummy bill is dispensed. Other approaches are also possible.

This actuating apparatus provides-a simple operating unit for the storage unit. Furthermore, it is insensitive to certain operational malfunctions. For example, if the rotary solenoids 114 and 128 were accidentally energized simultaneously, the cam ring 104 would initially block doors 84 and 88 while the cam ring 124 would initially block doors 86 and 90 before any door could open. Therefore, the actuating apparatus cannot dispense a bill if this malfunction occurs.

One other element can be added to each storage unit. As shown in FIG. 5, a plate rests on top of the stack in each storage unit for forcing the bills into contact with the doors. This plate 140 additionally comprises a centrally located, hinged door 142 which pivots to a depending position as the last bill is dispensed. When the system uses photoelectric circuits for each storage unit, the depending door portion interrupts the circuit associated with that storage unit. This indicates that the unit is empty and either inhibits further system operation or alters further system operational sequences.

As is now apparent, the preferred storage unit system shown in FIGS. 2 through 6 satisfies several objects of this invention. Specifically, the unit is relatively simple to manufacture Bills can be loaded either manually or automatically and without indexing problems. The actuating apparatus and controls are greatly simplified over prior systems because it is merely necessary to energize one or two drive units to dispense the bill. Transportation between the currency dispensing system and the currency central loading location is facilitated by adding a transport plate across the bottom of the unit. Installation is simplified by uniquely locating each currency storage unit on the support plate. It is merely necessary to align the storage unit on the support plate and to remove the transport plate to installthe storage unit. Finally, as each storage unit closely conforms to the stack of bills, the storage unit maximizes volumetric efficiency.

While FlGS. 2 through 6 illustrate a preferred embodiment of our invention, various modifications can be made. For example, the preferred embodiment includes a stationary storage unit with the actuating apparatus being integrally mounted with the currency dispensing system. It is also possible to rotate the storage unit incrementally on the support plate to dispense bills. Alternative actuating apparatus can also be implemented.

FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate a rotatable storage unit and associated actuating equipment. A bottom plate 150 in the storage unit supports four vertically extending rods 156, 158, 160 and 162 at the intersection of passages 152 and 154. The bills are stacked over the top of plate 150 at right angles. For example, a first bill 164 is disposed with rods 156 and 158 on one side while the second bill 166 is disposed with the rods 158 and 168 on one side, at right angles to the bill 164.

The bills and rods are normally disposed within a cylindrical cover 168 which is open at the lower end. The volumetric efficiency of the storage unit is improved over prior units because the cover 168 must merely circumscribe the corners of the stack of bills. This storage unit can be loaded easily either manually or automatically by either inverting the unit or'removing the cover 168. Once the storage unit is loaded, it can be transported without exposing the cash to view.

As the bottom plate 150 also contains doors for normally closing the passages 152 and 154 as described later, a transportation plate, such as the plate shownin FIG. 5, is used whenever a unit is removed.

Still referring to FIG. 7, a plurality of bearing elements 170 are circularly disposed about a substantially rectangular aperture 172 in a recessed plate portion 173 with a main portion 174 and two'ofiset portions 176 and 178. These offsets permit the hinged doors 180, 181, 182 and 183 in the bottom plate 150 to open and freely form one of the passages 152 or 154 when one pair of doors align over the aperture 172.

A drive unit 184 mounted below a support plate 185 rotates the storage unit in a direction shown by arrow 186 to dispense the .bill and includes a pinion 187 for engaging a peripheral gear 188 on the storage unit. Normally, the storage unit is located so the central Iongitudinal axes through passages 152 and 154 are at substantially 45 with a respect to a longitudinal axis through the aperture 172 so the recessed plate portion 173 keeps all the doors closed.

During each dispensing operation, control circuitry selectively energizes the drive unit 184 twice to angularly advance the storage unit through two 45segments. In FIG. 7, the first energization of the drive unit 184 has rotated the storage unitand aligned the doors 181 and 183 over the aperture 172. In this position, the doors open so the bottom bill falls onto the conveyer. After a short dwell time, the drive unit 184 advances the storage unit again. As the storage unit begins to turn, the edges of the plate portion 173 at the offsets 176 and 178 engage and close thedoors 181 and 183.

The doors 180 and 182 remain closed during this entire operation because the plate 173 constantly interferes with them. However, the next time the drive unit 184 rotates the storage unit, the doors 180 and 182 align over the offsets 172 and 174 and open to dispense the next bill.

. The currency dispensing system shown in FIG. 7 may also include apparatus for engaging the top of the cannister to keep it seated on the plate portion 164. Such apparatus is now shown for purposes of clarity and merely comprises an axially movable support for carrying a rotatable plate which forces the storage unit against the bearings 170.

Although this arrangement dispenses bills onto the conveyer. in alignment, itis not preferred because the drive unit 184 and associated controls for rotating the storage unit for 45 increments which are available are 7 more complex than those required for implementing the preferred embodiment.

FIGS. 9 through 1 1 illustrate another embodiment of the currency storage unit comprising several containers 56 and each including an integral combined bottom and transportation plate 200. This storage unit is mounted on an upper support plate 202 formed with intersecting passages 204 and 206. A pair of doors 208 and 210 are hinged on parallel edges of the passage 204 while a similar pair of doors 212 and 214 are hinged to another set of parallel edges.

The plate 202 is disposed above a plate 216 which supports actuating apparatus comprising a single rotary cam unit 218 with a pair of integral upstanding cams 220 and 222. A drive unit and associated controls rotate the cam unit 218 approximately 45 either clockwise or counterclockwise whenever a drive unit 224 is energized. The cams return to the position shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 when the drive unit 224 is deenergized.

When thecams 220 and 222 are centered as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the cam 220 blocks the doors 208 and 212 while the cam 222 blocks the doors 210 and If the drive unit 224 rotates the cam unit 218 clockwise for 45 to the position shown in FIG. ,11, the cams 220 and 222 continue to block the doors 212 and 214 but release the doors 208 and 210 to thereby open the passage 204. When the drive unit 224 is de-energized, the cams 220 and 222 retract to the center position shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, closing the doors 208 and 21 0 respectively. Similarly, the drive unit 224 rotates the cam unit 218 counterclockwise for 45 to block the doors 208 and 210, but releasingthe doors 212 and 214 to open the passage 206.

FIG. 12 illustrates a combined bottom and plate 200 which is adapted for use with either the embodiment shown in FIGS. 9 through 11 or the preferred embodiment shown in FIGS. 2 through 7. This combined bottom and transportation plate 200 is affixed to the bottom of each storage unit and contains intersecting apertures 250 and 252 which register when the apertures 204 and 206 in the canister 56 shown in FIG. 9. A plurality of normally closed shutters 254, 256, 258 and 260 normally partially overlie these apertures during transportation and block any bills.

The shutter 260 is typical and contains a spring hinge 262 for normally closing the shutter 260 which has an integrally formed slot 264. A pin 266 on the plate 202 (FIG. 9) engages slot 264 in shutter and, when the unit is in place and the shutters opened, pin 266 passes through aperture 268 in plate 200.

When the combines bottom and transportation plate 200 is installed on the plate 202, a plurality of pins analogous to the pin 266, engage the shutters and the plate 200. They are located so that the passages through the storage unit 56 and plate 200 are approximately 45 displaced from the apertures 204 and 206. When the pins align with the apertures in the plate 200,

the entire storage unit 56 is rotated counterclockwise. This rotation causes the plate 200 to rotate relative to the shutters which are retained by the pins. As a result, the shutters effectively retract to the position shown in phantom in FIG. 12 with respect to shutter 260 and open the passages through the plate 200. Furthermore, this motion registers these passages with the openings through the blocking plate.

Each illustrative embodiment shows a variety of ways to implement this invention. For example, the supporting plate 50 and the bottom plate 66 are both integrally mounted with the storage unit and aligned with an actuating unit in the currency dispensing apparatus in the preferred embodiment. On the other hand, the invention can also be implemented by mounting an integral storage unit for rotation with respect to a stationary actuating member (FIG. 7) or mounting an integral storage unit comprising a currency dispensing system which includes the support plate and actuator. Therefore, a given storage unit may only comprise a container for maintaining the bills in a stack and a shutter plate, or it may additionally include the support plate with blocking doors. 7

Although the previous description has been limited to units which store alternate bills at right angles the term bill may include a group of bills. For example, five storage units for dispensing one, five, ten, twenty and one-hundred dollars each time they are actuated might be used whenever amounts in excess of one-hundred dollars may be dispensed; Rather than dispense one-hundred dollar bills, the fifth storage unit may contain packages of five twenty-dollar bills as a bill with each group of five bills being alternately stacked, for example.

Bills can also be stacked with different angular relationships, such as 45 relationships. The ability of the blocking plate to dispense only bills of one orientation through an open bill passage determines the minimum angular relationship of the bills.

The storage units in each of the foregoing embodiments deposit bills on a conveyor so they are parallel with or transverse to the conveyor. In another arrangement, each storage unit is rotated approximately 45 about its vertical axis. In the preferred embodiment of FIGS. 1 through 7, this requires the doors and cams to be rotated a like amount. With this orientation, all the bills travel on the conveyor at approximately 45 to the conveyor. As a result, the bills tend to collect in the receptacle with the same orientation to facilitate removal by a recipient. In addition, the tool shown in FIG. 5 is inserted at right angles to the support plate to simplify loading procedures. I

Therefore, it is apparent that many modifications can be made to storage units and systems constructed in accordance with this invention and it is an object of the appended claims to cover all such modifications and variations as come within the true spirit and scope of the invention.

What we claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent of the United States is:

1. A unit for storing bills in a currency dispensin system comprising:

A. means for holding a stack of bills extending along an axis with the bills being transverse to the axis and with successive bills or groups of bills being oriented at different angles around the axis, said holding means being open at one end thereof,

B. support means for said holding means disposed across said one end including means for forming passages which are co-extensive with the bills, and passage blocking means, 7

C. means for selectively actuating said blocking means to open a passage and for registering one passage and the end bill at said one end to thereby dispense through the selected passage the end bill, and

D. said blocking means normally blocking all passages, and positively blocking all passages but said one passage at each activation. 7

2. A storage unit as recited in claim 1, wherein said holding means is adapted to be removably mounted on said support means in said dispensing system, additionally comprising means adapted to be disposed across said one end to prevent loss of bills when said holding means is removed from the system.

3. A system for dispensing bills in response to a dispensing request comprising: 7

A. means for holding a stack of bills extending along an axis with the bills being transverse to the axis and with the bills oriented at different angles around the axis,

B. support means for said holding means adjacent a first end of the stack including means for forming passages which are co-extensive with the bills, and passage blocking means;

C. means for registering one passage in said support means and the end bill at a first stack end in response to a dispensing request to thereby dispense through the registered passage the end bill;

D. said blocking means normally blocking all passages, and positively blocking all passages but said one passage at each activation. I

4. A system as recited in claim 3, in which said stacking means is adapted for being removed from said system, said system additionally comprising:

means adapted to be connected to said holding means when it is removed from said system to block said first holding means end.

5. A system as recited in claim 3 additionally including actuating means, said blocking means comprising:

A. a blocking plate adjacent said first stack end including a plurality of passages, each passage being disposed in registration with bills of one orientation in the stack, and

B. said blocking means including hinged doors for each passage, said actuating means being adapted to move the doors between first and second positions, only one set of doors at a time being adapted tobe moved to the first position to form a passage through said blocking plate.

6. A currency dispensing system comprising:

A. at least one currency storage unit for storing bills of a single denomination in a stack along a longitudinal axis, with the bills being transverse to the longitudinal axis and perpendicular to each other,

B. a support plate including first and second passages co-extensive with bills on said perpendicular axes, said plate additionally comprising a plurality of pivoted blocking doors mounted thereto,

wherein a pair of pivoted doors are associated with each passage through said support plate, one door from each pair being hinged on intersecting surfaces adjace'nt the passages whereby adjacent doors pivot in opposite directions with respect to their pivot axes, said actuating means comprising:

A. a first cam unit mounted for'rotation between first and second positions on said support means, and including means for engaging and closing a first pair of doors in the first position,

B. a second cam mounted for rotation between first and second positions onsaid support means and means for engaging a second .pair of doors to close the doors in the first position,

C. first drive means for rotating said first cam unit to the second position to open the one set of doors, said engaging means on said first cam unit blocking the second pairof doors before the first pair of doors open, and

D. second drive unit means for rotating the second cam unit to the second position to open the second pair of doors, said engaging means blocking the first set of doors before the second set of doors open, said first and second drive means normally being energized independently.

'8. A currency dispensing system as recited in claim 6 wherein:'

A. said storage unit supporting means includes i. a .plate portion with a rectangular aperture therethrough, and ii. means for rotatably' supporting said support plate,

B. one said support plate being affixed to each storage unit, and

C. said actuating means comprising:

means for incrementally rotating said storage unit and support plate to thereby alternately align one of said bill passages with the aperture through said storage unit supporting means, said storage unit supporting means normally interfering with said doors, alignment of the bill passage and storage unit supporting means aperture enabling one pair of doors to open.

9. A currency dispensing system as recited in claim6 wherein said storage unit comprisesa shutter plate disposed across one end of said storage unit for normally blocking said storage unit, said support plate being affixed to said storage unit supporting means,

said storage unit being installed in currency dispensing system to align the bills with said passages, said actuating means comprising:

A. a rotary cam unit comprising two upstanding oppositely disposed cams for engaging and closing said doors in said support plate in a first position, said cam unit being movable to a second position for opening one pair of doors associated with one passage and to a third position for opening the other pair of doors associated with the other passage, and

B. means for rotating said cam from said first to said second or third positions. V

10. A system as recited in claim 6, and additionally comprising a transportation plate disposable across one end of each of said storage units, said transportation plate comprising:

A. first and second apertures coextensive to and in alignment with bills in said storage unit;

B. a plurality of pivoted shutters normally closing said apertures;

C. a plurality of pins on said support plate engageable with said shutters;

D. rotation of said storage unit and transportation plate causing said pins to open said shutters and align said apertures with said first and second passages in said support plate.

11. A system for dispensing currency from selected ones of a plurality of storage units including:

A. a support for said storage units,

B. each of said storage units comprising means for storing bills at substantially right angles to be dispensed from one end thereof, and

C. an actuator for each storage unit mounted to said support means, each actuator comprising:

1. two annular cam units with axially extending cams terminating in a plane, first and second drive units to move said cams between first and second positions independently, and 3. a support plate comprising first and second passages therethrough, each passage being oriented with bills of one orientation-and being co-extensive therewith, and a pair of doors associated with each bill passage, said doors being hinged to said support plate and pivoted between first and second positions to substantially close the bill passage in the first position and substantially open the bill passage in the second position, and D. means on said support means and said storage units for aligning said doors and storage units, said cam units normally keeping said doors in a closed position, actuating one of said driving units moving one of said cams to a position to block one pair of doors and subsequently open the other pair of doors. 

1. A unit for storing bills in a currency dispensing system comprising: A. means for holding a stack of bills extending along an axis with the bills being transverse to the axis and with successive bills or groups of bills being oriented at different angles around the axis, said holding means being open at one end thereof, B. support means for said holding means disposed across said one end including means for forming passages which are co-extensive with the bills, and passage blocking means, C. means for selectively actuating said blocking means to open a passage and for registering one passage and the end bill at said one end to thereby dispense through the selected passage the end bill, and D. said blocking meanS normally blocking all passages, and positively blocking all passages but said one passage at each activation.
 2. A storage unit as recited in claim 1, wherein said holding means is adapted to be removably mounted on said support means in said dispensing system, additionally comprising means adapted to be disposed across said one end to prevent loss of bills when said holding means is removed from the system.
 2. first and second drive units to move said cams between first and second positions independently, and
 3. a support plate comprising first and second passages therethrough, each passage being oriented with bills of one orientation and being co-extensive therewith, and a pair of doors associated with each bill passage, said doors being hinged to said support plate and pivoted between first and second positions to substantially close the bill passage in the first position and substantially open the bill passage in the second position, and D. means on said support means and said storage units for aligning said doors and storage units, said cam units normally keeping said doors in a closed position, actuating one of said driving units moving one of said cams to a position to block one pair of doors and subsequently open the other pair of doors.
 3. A system for dispensing bills in response to a dispensing request comprising: A. means for holding a stack of bills extending along an axis with the bills being transverse to the axis and with the bills oriented at different angles around the axis, B. support means for said holding means adjacent a first end of the stack including means for forming passages which are co-extensive with the bills, and passage blocking means; C. means for registering one passage in said support means and the end bill at a first stack end in response to a dispensing request to thereby dispense through the registered passage the end bill; D. said blocking means normally blocking all passages, and positively blocking all passages but said one passage at each activation.
 4. A system as recited in claim 3, in which said stacking means is adapted for being removed from said system, said system additionally comprising: means adapted to be connected to said holding means when it is removed from said system to block said first holding means end.
 5. A system as recited in claim 3 additionally including actuating means, said blocking means comprising: A. a blocking plate adjacent said first stack end including a plurality of passages, each passage being disposed in registration with bills of one orientation in the stack, and B. said blocking means including hinged doors for each passage, said actuating means being adapted to move the doors between first and second positions, only one set of doors at a time being adapted to be moved to the first position to form a passage through said blocking plate.
 6. A currency dispensing system comprising: A. at least one currency storage unit for storing bills of a single denomination in a stack along a longitudinal axis, with the bills being transverse to the longitudinal axis and perpendicular to each other, B. a support plate including first and second passages co-extensive with bills on said perpendicular axes, said plate additionally comprising a plurality of pivoted blocking doors mounted thereto, C. actuating means for moving said doors between first and second positions and blocking and opening said support plate passages respectively, said actuating means opening the other passage, D. means for receiving dispensed bills, and E. means for supporting said storage units, support plate and actuating means.
 7. A currency dispensing system as recited in claim 6 wherein a pair of pivoted doors are associated with each passage through said support plate, one door from each pair being hinged on intersecting surfaces adjacent the passages whereby adjacent doors pivot in opposite directions with respect to their pivot axes, said actuating means comprising: A. a first cam unit mounted for rotation between first and second positions on said support means, and including means for engaging and closing a first pair of doors in the first position, B. a second cam mounted for rotation between first and second positions on said support means and means for engaging a second pair of doors to close the doors in the first position, C. first drive means for rotating said first cam unit to the second position to open the one set of doors, said engaging means on said first cam unit blocking the second pair of doors before the first pair of doors open, and D. second drive unit means for rotating the second cam unit to the second position to open the second pair of doors, said engaging means blocking the first set of doors before the secoNd set of doors open, said first and second drive means normally being energized independently.
 8. A currency dispensing system as recited in claim 6 wherein: A. said storage unit supporting means includes i. a plate portion with a rectangular aperture therethrough, and ii. means for rotatably supporting said support plate, B. one said support plate being affixed to each storage unit, and C. said actuating means comprising: means for incrementally rotating said storage unit and support plate to thereby alternately align one of said bill passages with the aperture through said storage unit supporting means, said storage unit supporting means normally interfering with said doors, alignment of the bill passage and storage unit supporting means aperture enabling one pair of doors to open.
 9. A currency dispensing system as recited in claim 6 wherein said storage unit comprises a shutter plate disposed across one end of said storage unit for normally blocking said storage unit, said support plate being affixed to said storage unit supporting means, said storage unit being installed in said currency dispensing system to align the bills with said passages, said actuating means comprising: A. a rotary cam unit comprising two upstanding oppositely disposed cams for engaging and closing said doors in said support plate in a first position, said cam unit being movable to a second position for opening one pair of doors associated with one passage and to a third position for opening the other pair of doors associated with the other passage, and B. means for rotating said cam from said first to said second or third positions.
 10. A system as recited in claim 6, and additionally comprising a transportation plate disposable across one end of each of said storage units, said transportation plate comprising: A. first and second apertures coextensive to and in alignment with bills in said storage unit; B. a plurality of pivoted shutters normally closing said apertures; C. a plurality of pins on said support plate engageable with said shutters; D. rotation of said storage unit and transportation plate causing said pins to open said shutters and align said apertures with said first and second passages in said support plate.
 11. A system for dispensing currency from selected ones of a plurality of storage units including: A. a support for said storage units, B. each of said storage units comprising means for storing bills at substantially right angles to be dispensed from one end thereof, and C. an actuator for each storage unit mounted to said support means, each actuator comprising: 